Mcferrins

Project 365

2011-03-01T15:53:00.000-08:00

One of my resolutions this year was to do a project 365 for myself. I sometimes get caught up in taking photos for others that I forget to take photos of my own life...which is why I got in to photography in the first place! This year I have made it my priority to take more time for myself and my family, and this project has helped me record our life's every day moments. I'm so proud of myself that I've actually stuck to it and have 2 months worth of photos! whoo hoo! You can check it out HERE. Also, while you're on my page show some love and become a fan of Ashley Christina Photography on facebook! That was a shameless plug, I know.

Will you be my Valentine?

2011-03-01T15:43:00.000-08:00

Quinn had a Valentine party at school a couple days before Valentine's Day. It was so much fun to see the kids exchange little goodies and do fun crafts. Of course Luke had to get right in on the action. He nosey just like his momma. :)

Lunch time!

2011-03-01T15:40:00.000-08:00

Luke has to be like a big kid now and sit at the big kid table with Quinn...he's over the high chair. Here they are enjoying a little lunch together. <3

Sweet tooth

2011-02-06T16:23:00.000-08:00

This boy is my EATER! He will eat just about anything and everything any time of day. If you have something in your hand, he wants it, and he thinks he's entitled to it. I got some yummy dark chocolate covered pretzels at Trader Joe's and gave him. He made a mess of it, but sure was tasty!

What should a 4 year old know?

2011-01-18T14:04:00.000-08:00

Lately Jon and I have really been trying to decide what we want for our kids future. Public school, private school, home school, no school!?? (just kidding on the last one). It can all be so confusing, and overwhelming to say the least. Especially when you hear about the requirements for kindergarten these days! Its nuts people! I can admit that I've been worried wether or not Quinn knows how to spell his name, knows his letters (which he struggles with) and wether or not he will be "ready" when the time comes for him to start school. A friend of mine recently sent me this e-mail and it changed everything for me. As Oprah would say, I had an "AHA moment"! They have their whole life to learn and be in school, but they only get to be innocent, care free kids for a few short years. Some may not agree with this, but this e-mail solidified how I feel, and what I want my children to remember their childhood being. Read on if you care to know.... :)

What should a 4 year old know?

She should know that she is loved wholly and unconditionally, all of the time.
He should know that he is safe and he should know how to keep himself safe in public, with others, and in varied situations. He should know that he can trust his instincts about people and that he never has to do something that doesn't feel right, no matter who is asking. He should know his personal rights and that his family will back them up.
She should know how to laugh, act silly, be goofy and use her imagination. She should know that it is always okay to paint the sky orange and give cats 6 legs.
He should know his own interests and be encouraged to follow them. If he could care less about learning his numbers, his parents should realize he'll learn them accidentally soon enough and let him immerse himself instead in rocket ships, drawing, dinosaurs or playing in the mud.
She should know that the world is magical and that so is she. She should know that she's wonderful, brilliant, creative, compassionate and marvelous. She should know that it's just as worthy to spend the day outside making daisy chains, mud pies and fairy houses as it is to practice phonics. Scratch that-- way more worthy.

But more important, here's what parents need to know.
That every child learns to walk, talk, read and do algebra at his own pace and that it will have no bearing on how well he walks, talks, reads or does algebra.
That the single biggest predictor of high academic achievement and high ACT scores is reading to children. Not flash cards, not workbooks, not fancy preschools, not blinking toys or computers, but mom or dad taking the time every day or night (or both!) to sit and read them wonderful books.
That being the smartest or most accomplished kid in class has never had any bearing on being the happiest. We are so caught up in trying to give our children "advantages" that we're giving them lives as multi-tasked and stressful as ours. One of the biggest advantages we can give our children is a simple, carefree childhood.
That our children deserve to be surrounded by books, nature, art supplies and the freedom to explore them. Most of us could get rid of 90% of our children's toys and they wouldn't be missed, but some things are important-- building toys like legos and blocks, creative toys like all types of art materials (good stuff), musical instruments (real ones and multicultural ones), dress up clothes and books, books, books. (Incidentally, much of this can be picked up quite cheaply at thrift shops.) They need to have the freedom to explore with these things too-- to play with scoops of dried beans in the high chair (supervised, of course), to knead bread and make messes, to use paint and play dough and glitter at the kitchen table while we make supper even though it gets everywhere, to have a spot in the yard where it's absolutely fine to dig up all the grass and make a mud pit.
That our children need more of us. We have become so good at saying that we need to take care of ourselves that some of us have used it as an excuse to have the rest of the world take care of our kids. Yes, we all need undisturbed baths, time with friends, sanity breaks and an occasional life outside of parenthood. But we live in a time when parenting magazines recommend trying to commit to 10 minutes a day with each child and scheduling one Saturday a month as family day. That's not okay! Our children don't need Nintendos, computers, after school activities, ballet lessons, play groups and soccer practice nearly as much as they need US.

They need fathers who sit and listen to their days, mothers who join in and make crafts with them, parents who take the time to read them stories and act like idiots with them. They need us to take walks with them and not mind the .1 MPH pace of a toddler on a spring night. They deserve to help us make supper even though it takes twice as long and makes it twice as much work. They deserve to know that they're a priority for us and that we truly love to be with them.

What does a 4 year old need?

Much less than we realize, and much more.

Hello 2011!

2011-01-02T13:13:00.000-08:00

Is 2010 really over?! No frickin way...that went by waaaay to fast. I don't know about the rest of you, but this last year was such a great year for me. Nothing monumental or extravagant happened....it was just GOOD. Every year I like to come up with a few resolutions for myself. I know its so cliche and sometimes hard to stick to resolutions, but it helps me to feel rejuvenated and makes me feel like I'm off to a fresh start. This year I'm doing it a little different. Im doing project 365--You take a picture a day of the daily happenings in your life for one year. I will be posting all of my 365 projects on my photography blog. I decided to do this because sometimes I feel like I spend all my time documenting other families memories, and I don't take enough time to document my own. So this is my perfect solution! Oh yeah, I also plan on losing weight, getting healthy, not using my phone as much, etc etc.. :) Happy New year everyone!! Here are a few of my most memorable moments from 2010...

Jan 2010
*Quinn and Luke are our greatest blessings*
*Mommy is extremely sleep deprived and doesn't take many pictures*
*my birthday month!*

February 2010

*Valentines Day*

*Jon's Birthday month*

*Lots of playing outside*

*Lots of bath time*

March 2010

*Heathers baby shower*

*More time enjoying my boys and being a mommy now that Luke is over COLIC*

*The weather outside starts to warm up*

April 2010

*Road trip to St. George*

*Enjoying the company of friends and family to the fullest*

*Easter*

May 2010

*Quinns 3rd birthday*

*Luke stops breastfeeding which means I have my life back...sorta :)*

June 2010

*Fathers day with the best baby daddy ever*

*Lots of family time at home, the best place to be*

*escaping the heat!*

July 2010

*Road trip to Reno*

*Honey and Papa meeting Luke for the first time*

*Farmers Market*

*Lake Tahoe*

*Splash makes its debut*

August 2010

*Family comes to visit*

*Lots of pool time!*

*Eating breakfast naked*

*Quinn starts smarty pants preschool*

September 2010

*Special time with Poppy*

*Luke is a red head!*

*Annual family trip..this year to DISNEYLAND!*

October 2010

*Saying goodbye to special special friends*

*Pumpkin patch and Halloween festivities*

*CANDY*

*Family pictures*

November 2010

*baby brother turns ONE*

*Macee is born*

*girls night*

*Grandma Horton goes to be with Jesus*

December 2010

*Lots and lots of photoshoots for mommy*

*We celebrate Grandma Hortons life*

*Grandma Baker goes to be with Jesus*

*Steph's twins turn ONE*

*We have so much fun decorating our house and getting into the spirit of Christmas*

*The boys play non stop together*

*Surprise Party for our MiMi 50!!*

*Happy Birthday Jesus*

Luke is One!

2010-11-08T12:29:00.000-08:00

Luke,

Being your parents have been one of the greatest gifts in our life. A year has come and gone so quicky, but in that time you have brought so much happiness and love into our home. We can't get enough of your sweet cuddles, the way you look at your big brother Quinn, and your feisty growls. Through your laughs, pouts, and tears we have learned so much, and felt a love so strong. Happy Birthday sweet boy.

Love, "mama" and "dada"

Disneyland!

2010-11-08T10:16:00.000-08:00

This year we took our family trip to Disneyland! Hands down best trip ever! The boys were so good and had so much fun. Quinn was beside himself with excitement. Our good friends Adam and Eryka joined us and we couldn't have had more fun. We can't wait to plan our next trip to the happiest place on earth.

Luke in the hotel room

Having beneigts (I think thats how you spell them). These things are heaven in your mouth.

More beneigts. soooo good

First Mickey ears!

We had lunch at the "Blue Bayou" restaurant which is inside the Pirates of the Carabian ride. The food was DELICIOUS.

Right after I took this picture they pulled Quinn out into the parade. We were getting our dance on.

Eryka and I.

The army guy from toy story!

Passed out after a fun day.

Mornings at the Mcferrins

2010-09-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

Just a typical morning around here.... Quinn having his yogurt, no better way but naked of course while we wait for Luke to wake up...

Look who's awake! Its Luke. Wait, Luke is mad and has a temper? No way! (don't mind the dirty bottle and dirty sheets and half dressed baby)

Oh that's right, he just wanted food. Now he has food and all is well with the world. (He's just like his dad)

Summer Recap

2010-09-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

Alright, let's face it...I suck at keeping up with the blogging thing, but I am getting our blog made into a book so I am trying my hardest from here on out to include everything that I can! Here's a little summer recap of (quite) a few pictures that slipped through the cracks. oops. :)

FATHERS DAY

Fathers day was so special this year because now we have TWO little guys that get to love on their Daddy all day. My hubby is such a good Dad and role model to Quinn and Luke. He works very hard for our family, and he loves these boys more than anything. I'm so glad they have such a strong, godly, loving man to look up to as they become young men. I'm a lucky momma for that. Happy Fathers day to my baby daddy! Love you!

The boys lovin on Daddy.

A little sign Quinn and I made to hang in the living room.

SWIMMING WITH FRIENDS

We got the chance to do quite a few pool playdates with the K fam this summer. They are so fun, and we are so happy that they just moved even closer to us!

Quinn all suited up ready to go.

Daddy and Luke playing in the water

Luke and Kaedance.

Little Kaedance, so sweet.

Has anyone seen a baby shark?

Love these guys!

I know you are thinking "why is Jon trying to drowned Quinn?" He's not, he's just helping him with his kicks. :)

ZADIE'S BIRTHDAY

One of Quinn's best friends, Zadie celebrated her 4th Birthday. I was flyin solo this day so didn't have much time to take a ton of pictures but here are couple.

Birthday girl, Miss Zadie

Quinn and I

"Aunt Depney" and Luke

AUNT TERESA AND NICOLE VISIT

We loved seeing Aunt Teresa and Nicole. Nicole came down to celebrate a birthday with one of her friends, but we got to spend lots of time with her little guy, Nicholas. Him and Luke are about 5 weeks apart so it was fun to see them together.

Cousins! Nicholas and Luke

having breakfast at Rachel's Kitchen, one of our favorite places.

GRANDPA BENNY'S BIRTHDAY

Gpa Benny turned 35 this year, so we had a little party to celebrate. :)

trying to get a group shot.

Just having fun outside. Jessica & Tyler

Kennedy

Leah and Quinn. These two love eachother.

Blurry picture but so cute of all the kids. Now that I think of it I'm not sure what they were doing, picking fruit? I didn't know there was fruit on that tree..hmm

Forever BFF's/Nephew and Uncle. Weird!

MiMi and Gma

Happy Birthday!

Me and the Lukers

Just chillin

Father and son

Here are these two again, drawing in the sand.

Little Elynn passed out.

THE BOYS BONDING

The past couple months the boys have started really showing love towards each other and playing together. It is one of the things I have looked forward to the most since Luke has been born and it's finally happening! Quinn is SUPER protective over Luke, and it's clear that Luke just adores Quinn. When he wakes up in the morning and I put him on his changing table to change him he can't stand it that he can't see Quinn. Usually I just have Quinn go in with me, makes diaper changing much easier on my part. Quinn is such a great help lately doing things I ask all day long, helping with chores, fetching me diapers and other things, and growing and learning like a little weed.

I took these pictures one night when we were reading our bedtime stories. See that skateboard on to the right of the picture? Right after I took these Luke got bashed in the head with it. Boys boys boys.

THE SUMMER DOO

"BEFORE"

This kid cracks me up.

Halfway done! We wanted to leave it like this but he wouldn't let us.

Serious little sassy face.

All done! Right after we shaved his head I immediately missed his longer hair. It's all grown back now though!

SOFIE'S 2ND BIRTHDAY

Our little Sofie girl turned 2! We love her so much. We're one year closer to their wedding... :)

Swim Lessons!

2010-08-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

Quinn started swimming lessons this summer.. He used to be extremely afraid of the water, now he is learning to love it! Miss Natalie is such a great teacher. So patient and fun. I love how excited Quinn gets to show me how he blows bubbles, and how he can kick. Such a fun time for him. Here are a few pictures from his first lesson. ps. the funky lookin head band thing is to keep water from getting in his ears since he has tubes. :)

Brazilian what?!?!

2010-07-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

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Quinn turns 3!

2010-06-22T17:39:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Quinn's third birthday last month. We had a small party with family and Quinn's close friends at the park. It still boggles my mind that this boy is THREE already! The top three things I love about him are:

1. How much he loves his daddy. Its annoying at times when he says, "I want Daddy to do it, I want Daddy, Daddy Daddy Daddy..." but really I love it. He looks up to him and adores him (and I can see why). They have a special bond and I think it's precious.

2. His sense of humor. For someone that's only been in this world for 3 years, and has only been speaking for 2 of them, he is SO FUNNY. He knows how to be sarcastic and he makes us laugh on a daily (sometimes hourly) basis.

3. How adventerous he is. He loves to try new things and live on "the edge" (literally...haha) a little. This is a quality that I sort of lack, so it's fun to see things through his eyes. It's not everyday that you get to be Buzz light-year and get into a sword fight with Woody, or watch Jack Sparrow jump off of the half wall in your living room, or have breakfast with a shark....but if you come to our house you can!

This boy is so special to his daddy and I. He is full of sass, but he can also be so kind hearted. I feel so so blessed to be his mama!

Reading his first birthday card that came in the mail from Grandma and Grandpa White.

Posing with MiMi before his party.

Tracor cupcakes to go with our "tractor" theme.

Jon and I with the birthday boy. (it's his party and he'll cry if he wants to).

The cutest cake that my friend Kia made.

Holding his bday balloons!

Trying out his new bike we got him.

Opening presents!

The Fam.

A few of my favorite pictures of Quinn from this past year...

LOVE's it

2010-06-09T22:34:00.000-07:00

I just found this picture and I LOVE it, because it was in New York, and because it was the last "alone" trip the hub and I took, and prob the last one for awhile. :::sigh:::

Sitting!

2010-06-09T22:30:00.000-07:00

I'm Luke...

I can sit up now!

And I'm chunky!

And mommy loves to take my shirts off and leave them on my head because it makes her laugh, then she likes to take pictures of me. She did it (and still does it) to my brother too.

Lots and lots...

2010-06-02T21:11:00.001-07:00

to catch up on!! Holy blogging! I feel like I have so man pictures I don't even know where to begin....let's start here:

ST. GEORGE TRIP TO VISIT "THE BETHS" (Adam, Eryka, and baby Zane)

view from their living room....feels like you are at a 5 star hotel. for real

Having pizza with my Quinners. One of many bad bad, but delish meals.

"baby Zene" as Quinn says

The baby beths.

All of us!

Just us

THIS LITTLE CHUNK HAD "REAL FOOD" FOR THE FIRST TIME AT ALMOST 6 MONTHS OLD. HE LOVE LOVE LOVES TO EAT

LUKE GOT DEDICTED AT CHURCH

MOTHERS DAY 2010

What a great day! I wish it could be every day! :) I got very spoiled by my hubby. I got a necklace with 2 little charms: one the says "quinn" and one that says "luke". I have been wanting one every since Quinn was born, so it was very special for me. I also got sent off for a mani/pedi! My mom joined me, it was so nice to have some girl time.

I am so blessed to be their mommy.

Mimi and Luke

Mothers day with my Mommy!

LUKE TURNED 6 MONTHS OLD!

QUINNS 3RD BIRTHDAY

this little guy is growing up right before our eyes. he brings so much joy and happiness to my life. I just look at him and think to myself, "what a special little boy." I know as mothers there are things in our children that only we can see and love, and I just have so many of those feelings for Quinn. There is so much about him I love, and I hope as he grows and turns into a young man (holy cow) he never forgets how special he is.

this boy...

had a birthday...

and turned 3!!

and got his first bike! woo hoo! He loves to ride it, yeah!

MEMORIAL DAY 2010

quinn fell (more like toppled over) into the pool and it ruined his day for about 35 min..

me and Luke. chillin

Check it

2010-04-23T21:54:00.000-07:00

Check out my new website!

AshleyChristina.com

Just want to give a big shout out to my friend Sarah Kay for putting so much talent and hard work into this site. It is so fancy and I love it Sarah, great job! And for anybody that might be looking to upgrade their "blog" into a more sophisticated "website" Sarah is your girl!!

Walk for Autism!

2010-04-23T21:17:00.000-07:00

We did the walk for autism last week. It was a beautiful day out and what better way to enjoy the weather then to celebrate a great foundation!

Mason and Riley

The Gurlides's, our second family

Josh, Jon, Heather, Nicole, and the kiddo's

When you gotta go...you gotta go!

These 2 just melt my heart

The people behind me were cheering as we crossed the finish line, so that's why I was so excited. :)

Having fun after the walk...

Luke and Daddy

What the?!

2010-04-22T14:45:00.001-07:00

I come in the loft this morning to find this... Standing on top of the play kitchen with a golf club in one hand. BOYS!!

Steph's Birthday night!

2010-04-17T17:29:00.000-07:00

We went out last week to celebrate Stephs Birthday! woohoo for date nights, especially when they involve a Birthday Celebration!

How funny is this, we were riding in the back of her van and you can see the mirrors that hook onto the seats so you can see the babies. If you didn't know any better looks kinda limo-ish eh? Ok maybe not so much...

Ken and Steph

Ash and Jon (tepenyaki yuuuum!)

I am so proud of myself for catching this sweet action shot of her catching a piece of chicken in her mouth. Look at Ken's face too, haha.

The Group!

I believe we were singing to Celine Dion at this moment...

Cereal time!

2010-04-17T17:19:00.001-07:00

About a week before Luke turned 5 months I gave him cereal for the first time. He liked it, but didn't really care too much either way if I fed it to him or not. I expected him to smack his lips and go crazy...but not so much. I've been sorta lazy about it, some days I give it to him, some days I don't. He doesn't mind either way. :)

Q's first dentist visit

2010-04-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

What a day this was. I took Quinn for his first checkup at the dentist. I arrived thinking it would be a short and sweet visit.

Maybe a little something like this: Go for a ride in the chair, take a peak at the teeth, say everything looks good, get a new toothbrush, go home! NOT!!

It went something like this: get a couple x rays, don't smile Quinn.... whatever you do DO NOT SMILE, look at the xrays on the screen while waiting for the dentist and notice BIG SPOTS on the teeth where there should be no spots, think about all the times I let Quinn have juice and milk in bed and majorly regret it, take a peak at the teeth, hear dentist list off SIX places he sees cavities, get a new toothbrush, book an appointment for Quinn to get 4 fillings and 2 crowns, and last but not least...go home (and maybe shed a tear or two).

"Seriously, quit taking my picture...I'm NOT happy about wearing this full length vest."

Getting x-rays

Not quite sure...

"Ahh..this is better. I can watch movies!"

All done! He's smiling because he hasn't quite realized that he has 6 cavities and that we are about to have an intervention for him and his juice consumption.

fling before the ring!!

2010-04-12T16:32:00.000-07:00

This is one of the sassiest and funniest girls I know, she got hitched awhile back and thanks to me being an awful blogger I'm just now posting these from her bachelorette party! What a fun night out with the girls!

Oh Spring, I love you

2010-04-03T20:58:00.000-07:00

Park days are here!! Yes!! We will be spending many many hours at the park in the next few months. It's so nice to have a park close to home, and so nice to have friends in the neighborhood to share it with! Here are a few pictures from our first park trip of the season.

WHoa look at that orange hair...good thing I fixed it last night in the bathroom after the kids went to bed.

My beautiful friend Stephanie and 2 of her 4 kiddos. We just love them

P's Shower

2010-04-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

Do you see a trend here? All my friends are having babies! I love it! This was Lauren's Vegas shower where we celebrated Peyton who will also be here in the next month or so!

Ella's Shower

2010-04-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

I through a shower for my good friend Heather and her newest baby Ella. Ella should be here by the end of the month. We are so excited for them! Sofie is going to make a good big sister. :)

She will KILL me for this, but it's funny

RSV

2010-04-03T20:39:00.001-07:00

My little Luke got RSV about a month ago...scary stuff! We had a very sick household for the last month-month 1/2. I think we are finally germ free and it feels good! Here is my little guy doing his breathing treatments. He actually liked it. The loud noise from the machine would make him start to fall asleep...

Lovies

2010-03-31T19:55:00.000-07:00

My littlen's are getting so big. Here is big brother Quinn being a NUT like he always is. This kid makes me belly laugh every single day. He has the best memory and the best sense of humor and imagination. He is a little ball of sass and I love him to pieces. Can't remember what he was eating in this picture (I'm sure I was majorly sleep deprived when I took it).

And here is the baby brother. Baby brother is 4 1/2 months and getting bigger by the second. The kid is a solid tank. Seriously. He is my little sweet pea and he adores Quinn. He stares at him and watches his every move. He has started "talking" a lot and loves to talk to Quinn. Quinn is so good at giving him attention too. He is a great big brother. When he wakes up in the morning he usually says to me, "I want my Luke." I can't wait to see them grow together and interact and play more.

Life in our house has been very good lately. Things with Luke have gotten a lot better now that he is finally SLEEPING. Two books that saved my life that I have to throw out there are, "Babywise" and "Healthy sleep habbits, happy child." If you are a mom who has a fussy baby/baby that doesn't sleep and you need help....read these!! Other than catching up on sleep I'm gearing up for Quinn's 3rd birthday, planning our next family trip, planning my outfit for the Carrie Underwood concert, and I'm trying to find cute fabric to sew some curtains for my front room. That's life in a nutshell right about now, how is everyone else??

I love feet

2010-03-13T17:09:00.000-08:00

These are my boys. These are their chunky little toes. Love em

The toilet monster

2010-03-01T19:30:00.001-08:00

I had an interesting conversation with Quinn this morning... went a little something like this:

Me: When are you going to start going poo in the potty Quinn? I will take you to the park today if you go!

Quinn: I don't want to.

Me: Why not? Are you afraid of the potty?

Quinn: Yeah!

Me: What about it scares you?

Quinn: Because I'm gonna go potty...and and...fall in the toilet....and and I'm gonna get flushed away!

So there we have it, the past year I have been trying and trying and trying to potty train this kid and the only thing holding us back is that he thinks he is going to get flushed away! Now if only I could convince him otherwise...

(This picture was taken almost a year ago when the potty training began! Fast forward to today and we are exactly where we were a year ago)

Papi

2010-03-01T17:05:00.000-08:00

Papi (my dad) came to town on business and we went and had dinner and Lindo (ah hay hay). I love having my dad come to Vegas for business every month or so. He is HYSTERICAL, a great cook, and Quinn loves spending time with him. Plus he is great company when Jon is working. We love our Papi!

The Munch

2010-02-18T21:26:00.000-08:00

This is the Munch. He is growing so fast before our very eyes. He 3 months old now and his little personality is starting to show more and more every day. He loves to eat, and I mean LOVES to eat. He loves staring at faces, the mama's in particular. He is the happiest when he first wakes up in the morning (don't know where he gets that from), and he makes me change my shirt at least twice a day with the amount that he spits up. He cries when you walk into his room, because he is afraid he is going to have to take a nap, and he's usually right. He has a massive bald spot in the back of his head, but it's kinda growing on us. He is ticklish, observant, sweet, fiesty, and chunky and we just love every ounce of him. Literally.

2 days old

2 weeks old

3 weeks old

2 months old

3 months old

26!

2010-02-09T17:25:00.000-08:00

I had a great birthday last week. The day started off by Jon waking up with both kids and letting me sleep in a little. Then we headed to one of our favorite places to eat, Rachel's Kitchen for breakfast. I had to go to the salon to work for a little bit because I THOUGHT Jon had to work too, so I didn't take the day off. As I was doing one of my clients he walked in with starbucks and a little flower he picked for me on the way. (sounds cheesy but it was cute). Then he surprised me by telling me that he had a babysitter arranged (thanks mama) and that we were going out with a few friends. What a great birthday! And even better that I had my 2 beautiful boys to spend it with. :)

3 months

2010-02-06T21:16:00.000-08:00

Luke is 3 months old today! Incase you can't do math that's a quarter of a year! Holy cow time flies, or maybe it's because his first 2 months were a straight blur to me... We had a rough start with little Luke. Don't let the cute chubby face fool you. :) He was EXTREMELY fussy, gassy, & colicky for his first 2 moths. We found one of the major culprits was acid reflux and noticed major changes in him around 10 weeks old once the meds kicked in. He started sleeping 5-6 hours straight at night (when before he was waking every 2 hours, and sometimes every HOUR!) and his fussiness got MUCH better. He still has his little colic episodes in the evening...it used to be screaming for close to 3 hours, now there are some days when it only lasts 30 min or so, which I can totally deal with! Ok, now that I've made him sound like the worst baby ever I will go on to say that this little guy is so sweet. He is so gooey, if you give him one bit of attention he just melts. He loves to laugh, coo, smile, take baths, sit in his bouncer, watch his brother, chomp on his hands, cuddle with his mama, and lots of times just "observe." We can't remember life before he was here, we love him!

Kevin...

2010-01-31T13:49:00.000-08:00

Now that Quinn is getting older, we have some very interesting conversations. This kid makes me laugh so hard sometimes. Here is one of our latest:

Quinn: "Mom, I want to go to Kevin."

Me: "Oh yeah, who is Kevin?"

Quinn: "No! I want to GO to Kevin. Go to Kevin and see Jesus."

Me: "Oh! You mean Heaven!"

Quinn: "Yeah, Kevin. And see Jesus. Jesus has a farm mom. And he can't have nuts too."

Giving back

2010-01-26T18:06:00.000-08:00

I was sitting in church on Sunday listening to our pastor talk about the importance of giving back our time and talents to others and it really got me thinking, "do I do enough for others?" I really believe one of the main reasons that the lord gives us certain skills and talents, is so that we can use them to better the lives of those around us. The past few days I have been really thinking hard on this, and I want to use my hair business to give to those that don't always have the luxury of getting their hair done . Since I'm only working part time in the salon I am only able to offer my services a couple times a month, but something is better than nothing right?!

So here's the skinny: If you are, (or you know someone) who hasn't had extra money lately to take care of YOU, then leave a comment, email me, or call me so I can treat you or someone you know to a haircut free of charge. I will be doing this every other Wednesday at my salon. I know that the economy hasn't been good to a lot of people out there and when times are tough, hair and beauty get put on the back burner. I'd really like to help those who deserve and need it to feel good about themselves again, and in return I hope that they too pay it forward somehow in their own way. We all have something to offer, lets help each other out!

Calling all maids!

2010-01-21T15:09:00.001-08:00

Alright, I've had it. I can no longer keep up with my house on a consistent basis and I'm not afraid to admit it! As you all know I do hair 2 days a week and I'm wondering if there is anyone out there that can recommend someone who would want to trade cleaning services for hair...

Someone? Anyone?

Maybe just every 2 weeks or once a month?

If you can think of someone who would be interested in this trade please let me know! Thanks for looking out everyone!

Christmas with the Medina's

2010-01-19T15:04:00.000-08:00

This year my dad, step mom Jenn, and brothers came and stayed with us for Christmas. It was great having them here! We had a good time and Quinn had a blast with his "uncles." Here's a few pictures. :)

Our MiMi

2010-01-03T18:25:00.000-08:00

I just have to dedicate a blog post to my mama...or as the kids call her, "Mimi". My mom is AWESOME. I really don't know what I would do without her. She is there for us without us even asking, and she never expects anything in return. Quinn adores his Mimi and I know Luke will too as soon as he is old enough to know the love she has for him. During my whole pregnancy with Luke my mom would cook and clean for me, rub my back, listen to me complain, etc etc. Since Luke has been born she has been over to help me all the time, she's there for me through my postpartum emotional meltdowns, and she has even given me the chance to get out for some "me" time. I am just so thankful for my mom and the love she has for Jon and I and our boys, and I never want what she does to go unnoticed. Love you Mimi!

Thanksgiving 2009!

2009-11-29T11:26:00.000-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving this year. We spent the day cooking, hanging out, and eating with my family. We had lots of yummy food and the kids had a blast playing all day. Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving too! We are thankful for all of our wonderful family and friends!

Luke is here!

2009-11-14T16:07:00.001-08:00

I know some love to hear the birth stories, some don't...if you don't, sorry! Here goes...

On Thursday night (the 5th) I was watching Grey's and when it was over I got up to go pee (funny...) and as I was walking to the pot my water broke! I panicked a little because I had already had a shceduled c section for the 11th so I thought I still had a week left. I didn't have a bag packed, somebody lined up to watch Quinn, nothing! (I did have a bobby from caprioties that day though so my "last meal" was awesome). I called Jon (he was at work) and told him to GET HOME! He made it home in record time, and our friends Nick and Lauren were nice enough to come over and stay with Quinn while we went to the hospital. I expected something out of the movies: crazy contractions, deep breathing, somebody to wheel me in a wheel chair up to the labor and delivery floor....ummm.....NO! This whole pregnancy I contemplated a VBAC (vag birth after csection) and when my water broke I thought, "the lord is giving me a sign, I'm gonna do a vbac!" Sounded like a plan until I got to the hospital and they monitored me for 6 hours and I had NO contractions, NO pain, No dialating, NOTHING. Just a baby ready to come out :)

I went into the OR for my csection at 6 in the morning with the hubby by my side, had the little nugget at 6:21, and didn't see him until about 4:30 that afternoon. They took him straight from the womb to the NICU for respiratory distress. Poor little guy had a good amount of fluid in is lungs and wasn't breathing very well. That was the hardest thing EVER not being able to see and touch and hold my baby right away. When we got to see him in the NICU it was awful. I feel for all those parents who have to leave their babies for MONTHS, I really don't know how they do it. I was a wreck for the 6 days we had to leave him. We got to hold him for the first time the following day, and I got to nurse him for the first time 3 days later.

We got to go home on Tuesday the 10th and had to leave Luke at the hospital. Weirdest thing ever driving home with no baby. Jon and I took shifts going to the hospital to see him every 3 hours for 2 days (they have them on a strict feeding schedule at the hospital, he ate at 12, 3, 6, & 9 and our only time with him was when he ate). Quinn was pretty confused about this whole baby talk and us being gone for 5 days, then coming home empty handed. It was so worth the wait though because we got to bring him home on Thursday the 12th and we finally have our family together. Funny how someone who has been in our life for just over a week seems to fit so perfectly. I can't even picture life without him, we are so blessed. I must say, for all that little man went through the first week of his life (poked, and checked, hooked up to monitors, being under the lights for 24 hours for jaundice, having two EKG's, oxygen, and a feeding tube) he is the BEST baby. He is so chill and laid back. He sleeps through Quinn's many meltdowns, me yelling, us laughing and talking. I love it!

We can't wait to see what joys Luke will bring into our life. We are so thankful for our two boys, and we are extremely thankful for awesome friends and family that have helped us so much the past week. Thanks for the meals, babysitting, visits at the hospital, phone calls, prayers, and support. We love you!

My last prego pic, right before going to the hospital

Jon getting ready for surgery

Talking to my dad getting ready to have my csection

Right after the csection. I couldn't breathe! I was so numb I think my lungs got numb.

Seeing our Luke for the first time

One of the nurses daughers made this little sign that hung on Luke's bed

Getting him ready to go home! Finally!!

Last feeding at the hospital

One of the many awesome nurses that took care of Luke (they wheeled me out even though I had left the hospital 2 days before... weird huh)

Looks like Quinn!!

Welcome home Luke!

Going inside to meet his brother

The brothers meeting

Quinn kept whispering and told us to be quiet because the baby was sleeping

First family photo!

One of the few pics so far with his eyes opened.

Our boys

Halloween!

2009-11-14T13:27:00.000-08:00

We had a lowkey Halloween this year at home. My Aunt Teresa and cousin Nicole were in town that weekend so we made a pot of chili, and trick-or-treated through our neighborhood with some friends. Jon had to work so it was just us! Quinn had a BLAST going door to door. Last year he wasn't quite sure what to do so this year was a lot of fun for him. It is so fun for me as his mom to watch him have such a good time, there is nothing better!

My big boy

2009-10-22T13:40:00.000-07:00

Quinn turned 2 in May, so I figured I should do some "2 year old" shots before he turned 3! I took these last month, my big boy on the beach. He had a blast.

Update on the rude lady

2009-09-19T21:35:00.001-07:00

Remember a couple posts ago when the rude lady that lives by my mom thought I must be having twins becomes I'm so huge??? Well last week she made sure to tell me, "hunny...you have just gotten big! That baby is about to fall out of you! Oh my gosh, you aren't going to make it another 10 weeks" Thanks for the heads up Sandy, I will be sure to randomly reach down there just incase he falls out! Here's the best part. About 2 months ago when we were outside talking to her, it came up that I was pregnant in conversation and she was in shock because she had no idea! I looked, "amazing and so small". Oh you gotta love it.

My wheelchair

2009-09-19T21:24:00.001-07:00

Legoland tickets: $75.00

Hot dog and fries: $7.95

Renting a motorized wheelchair for $35 bucks: PRICELESS

Being 30 weeks pregnant and walking around at legoland all day is a blast, but not when you have asthma! I was having some major asthma issues on our vacation so Jon made me get this sweet wheelchair. I got stared at all day, but it was fun!

California

2009-09-19T20:30:00.001-07:00

We decided to have one last ho-rah before baby boy is born (which is in 9 weeks or less by the way!! crazy!!). We went with our friends (the Ukeiley's) to California. We wanted to do something special for Quinn since in a couple months it wont be all about him anymore. :) We went to legoland and the beach and tried to relax as much as possible. It was a bit more stressful than we had hoped, but all in all it was a good time with great friends and we made lots of memories (even if they include lots of 2 year old meltdowns) which is all we could ask for!

Jonny on the beach

at the coronado art walk this guy had a bunch of birds that you could hold. they were so cool and quinn got to hold it on his arm and head.

MICKEY!!

Heather and I at our hotel having breakfast

The view from our hotel room. The first night we got there they had a wedding right there on the grass, Quinn and I got to watch (while Jon was getting a massage...hmmm...)

The Ukeiley's...love them

Sofie and Quinn at legoland

Me and the belly on the beach

Dads

Sea life aquarium

at Miguel's Cocina in Coronado, some seriously good mexican food!

My little fam on the beach

He loved it so much he just layed in the sand, and then tried to eat it...

right before he threw up...

a little late night pizza in the hotel room (tastes better when you are naked)

Me and my lova love

You're so huge!!

2009-09-01T20:26:00.000-07:00

I thought all my prego friends (there are a lot of you right now) would get a kick out of this... It's inevitable that SOMEONE is going to make a comment about how huge you are, like the other day when my mom's neighbor said, "you're so big! are you sure you aren't having twins?!" Umm...yes rude lady, I am sure, I think the doctor would let me know if there were 2 babies in my belly... here are some good comebacks to those rude comments! If only I would have known one of these off the top of my head the other day!

You're so HUGE!
• "Yeah, I'm actually a week late and my water could break at any minute -- stand back!"
• "I know, I gotta start cutting back on the burgers and booze."
• "I'll try to take that as a compliment."
• "Yeah, but I'm going to lose 20 pounds in a day. What about you?"
• "Well, ya know, I'm growing a life. What have you done today?"

Only boys...

2009-08-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

... play with squirt guns while going potty.

Summer time!!

2009-07-27T16:02:00.000-07:00

We have managed to keep pretty busy this summer, even though its been blazing hot out! Instead of doing a post for every little thing I thought I would just put up a few pictures from here and there... Hope this finds the rest of you having a great summer!

CIRCUS

We went to the circus with Mimi and the O'shaughnessy's. Such a fun night!! Quinn loved the elephants and the tigers the most, and he had his first cotton candy!

PLAYTIME WITH SOFIE

This little girl is like the baby girl I never had. We love her to pieces and her mom and I are already planning her and Quinn's wedding...Lets keep our fingers crossed :) I just love this picture of the two of them.

SOFIE'S 1ST BIRTHDAY

THE LAKE

We got to go out on the lake with Ken, Stephanie, Scarlett and Connor. My first time going since I was little and Quinn's first time ever! What a fun day.

4TH OF JULY!

This year we went to the parade in the morning and had a big block party in our neighborhood. We have a lot of friends who live in our neighborhood which made it really nice. Lots of kids, lots of food, lots of fun! There was a bounce house for the kids and a band who came and played in the middle of the street. The week before 4th of July my grandparents and cousin from Virginia came to visit. They got to celebrate the 4th with us also, fun times!

NEW YORK

Jon and I took our first vacation ALONE since our honeymoon! It was a very quick trip, but worth every second. We had an absolute blast in NYC. We saw wicked, ate lots of food, got massages, took a tour of Manhattan, saw lots of "touristy stuff", stayed up super late (so exciting right), and just enjoyed each others company! A trip we definitely won't forget about for a long long time. We want to go every year!

ESCAPING THE HEAT?

Besides going to the pool and this indoor park/play place we found we have mostly been staying inside to escape the heat. Quinn hates being inside, from the minute he wakes up he begs to "go outside mommy!" We have no grass in our backyard for him to run around on so we resorted to water balloons and the hose outside. He had lots of fun, and it was cheap and easy.

The results are in...

2009-07-07T16:20:00.000-07:00

Looks like I'm going to be out numbered 3 to 1!! We will be welcoming another little boy in November and we are so excited! Quinn is going to love having a brother, and I'll try for my girl next time around! :)

Not Fair!!

2009-06-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

I'm just about 18 weeks and this is still me!! Not fair!! So worth it, but I just have to vent for 10 seconds. Thats all!

Dolphins, Tigers, Leapords...oh my!!

2009-06-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

We opted to not do a party for Quinn's 2nd birthday, and instead we had a fun family day out and about. One of our stops was to the dolphin habitat at the mirage. We had a lot of fun looking at all the animals and Quinn had a blast.

"what you lookin at?"

Daddy and Quinn riding the tiger

Mommy and Quinners

"JAVA" the baby leapord, so cute!!

Quinn's "dolphin face"

watching the dolphins

Dunked

2009-06-15T12:08:00.000-07:00

Jon and I got baptized at our church's baptism celebration about a month ago. It was AWESOME!! A few of our friends did it at the same time too which made it even more awesome...

Boy or Girl?

2009-06-01T12:50:00.000-07:00

Just for fun...we got this bad boy last night...

According to "intelligender" I am having a BOY...we shall see! It says its only 90% accurate but either way it was fun to do!

Quinn turns 2!

2009-05-29T08:04:00.001-07:00

WARNING: extreme picture overload!!!

Can you believe that this little guy turned 2?! I know I can't!! What a joy the past 2 years have been! I'll tell you...the good times out way the terrible 2 tantrums BY FAR!! I am so blessed to be this guys mama. He is so much fun to be with every day and I love to watch him learn and grow, plus he is just so dang funny (and an anwry little sucker too! like for example a few days ago when I was eating breakfast he came up to me and said, "mommy! get out of the chair!!" all because he wanted to play and play NOW!) Anyway, here are a lot of my most favorite pictures from the past 2 years. I am sad to report that his actual 2nd birthday pictures were accidentally deleted off my camera, I cried and cried about it but there is nothing I can do so we will just have to do without them! Enjoy these...

Put me back in!!!

First family photo

One week old

One of my most favorites, look at that sweet profile

6 weeks old

First dinner out

Sleeping so peacful...3 months

First 4th of july

Getting dedicated at church

First Halloween... "get me out of this NOW"

CARROTS!! 7 months

1st christmas!

Mommy's first photoshoot

Quinn and Daddy

Very first ice cream, and man was it good!

1st birthday

I hate the camera!!

1st steps

"can I touch it?"

Rotten

The pumpkin patch!! 17 months

Just a few days ago!! He's 2.

Graduation!

2009-05-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

First of all, can I just say that I am SO PROUD of this guy! All of these guys and girls actually... For the past year this has been the biggest roller coaster of our lives yet. First waiting to see if Jon was accepted into the academy, and then once he was in = crazy!! The last 6 months have been the hardest most rewarding for our family and we are so proud of Jon for all that he has accomplished. He is into the second week of "the real deal" and he loves it so far. All of that hard work has finally paid off! Yeah!! (and might I add how strapping he looks in his uniform. oh yes.)

The whole class

Jon is in top row middle

Getting his badge pinned on by the sheriff.

I'm one proud wife!

Later on at the academy graduation party.

Jon and I at the party

Mothers Day 2009

2009-05-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

I had a simple and relaxing mothers day this year. Jon had to work so Quinn and I spent most of the day with my mom. We went to church, had lunch at cheesecake factory, and went to see our grandma in the nursing home. Quinn was being "anti-mommy" this particular day so I only managed to get this one picture with him. Better than nothing right!

Quinn and Mommy at cheesecake (and I'm pretty sure I have food in my teeth)

Grandma, Quinn, and Mimi

Quinn and Mimi at church

All the moms and daughters at church

The prego's and soon to be prego

Whoa Baby!!

2009-04-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

You guessed it...baby number 2 is cooking and on its way!! I am due on Nov. 24th (yes, large and in charge in the dead of summer). We are super excited, and I'm super excited to start feeling better. :)

He is risen!

2009-04-12T07:23:00.000-07:00

Just want to wish all of our family and friends a Happy Easter! Jon has been working over 100 hours a week lately so needless to say, he has been very tired. We plan on going to church, then spending the rest of the day at home! A nice relaxing day to reflect on that which is most important to us today. I will leave you with a few pictures of Quinn's visit with the easter bunny. As you can tell from the expression on his face he was super excited to see him. He just sat on his lap and waved at him and said, "hi bunny!! hi bunny!!"

changing...

2009-03-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

The past month or so Quinn has been changing so much! He is turning into quite the little boy and after I took this picture I stepped back and said, "whoa!" He looks so different!! He is so much fun right now, I cant get enough of him. From the minute he wakes up in the morning until he goes to bed at night he goes and goes and goes.He is talking up a storm and just started putting groups of words together (I did it, daddy's at work, I'm hungry, I see you, etc). Its so nice to not have to guess what he wants or what he is thinking all the time. Lately he has really been showing an interest in wanting to help with everything! He loves to help clean, unload the dishwasher, and do laundry. He is my little helper boy. He also loves to color and he will actually sit and watch a movie or a cartoon for longer than 30 seconds now (good for me). Our next venture is going to be swimming lessons, and I know he is going to love it. He would stay in the bath all day if I would let him. I am also proud to say that he has grown out of his hitting phase!! Only a few lucky ones had to endure the pain of Quinns hitting, but I'm happy to say they have recovered well and have forgiven him for his actions.

A nice surprise..

2009-03-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

My dad has been in town for the past few days, and as most of you know he is an AMAZING cook. The first thing I did was ask him to cook for me since I only get his food a couple of times a year. I went to work and when I came home there was a delicious meal being prepared and NEW POTS AND PANS! He informed me the he couldn't cook with the crappy ones I had (darnit) so he got me a little house warming gift...these beauties! Thanks Dad!!

The Rugrats.

2009-03-15T14:18:00.000-07:00

Since we have moved into our new house these kids have been inseparable! We have always done our best to do play-dates and get them together, but it was hard because we lived so far away, and now that we are in the same neighborhood they get to play a ton more and they love it. The second we pull into our neighborhood Quinn says, "Connors??" Stephanie (their mama) and I have always joked that they remind us of the kids from the show "The Rugrats," because Scarlett is the older much more sophisticated one that likes to boss the "little" kids around (we call her Angelica) and the boys just do whatever they want and could really care less. In our old house my friend Sarah and I would switch off kids so we can run errands and what not, and now Stephanie and I are able to do the same thing, its such a huge help and the kids love it. Here are a few of them playing last week.

Here is Quinn hard at work...I told him not to give in but he did't listen.

Here Scarlett is telling him to put a little elbow greece into and PUSH!!

How many toddlers can we fit on one bike?? hmm...

Wonder where I have been?

2009-03-09T03:26:00.000-07:00

I know, I know... This is our 4th house in the last 3 years! I don't know what it is...I guess you could say we like the change of scenery! Yeah right!! Believe it or not we hate moving with a passion, but after some long consideration we decided to put our house for sale and re-locate. We LOVE LOVE LOVE our new house and neighborhood. The house is much bigger, and for those of you that have ever been to my other house you know that says a lot! We now have lots of parks, a community pool, and even some of our closest friends just around the corner! We feel very blessed that we were led to such a great little place we love and can call home and you can mark this new address in PEN (I promise)...this house is on our 15 year plan. :)

Toddlers and Tiara's

2009-03-09T03:18:00.000-07:00

Look at this boy, such a little poser! He lights up when I take out the camera (which is quite often). Yesterday that show "Toddlers and Tiaras" was on and I said to Quinn, "There are no boys on that show! Should we try out? We could put a little sequence on you and doll you up and teach you a routine." and he said "Yes." So there you have it, looks like I know where I will be submitting this pictures!

Happy Birthday To YOU!!!

2009-02-11T19:36:00.001-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE! Its Jon's 27th birthday tomorrow (the 12th) and this post is dedicated to him. Since he is 27 I thought it would only be appropriate to list 27 things that I love about him. In no particular order:

I LOVE...

1. How we share our dreams together

2. That he rubs my feet, even though he hates it.

3. He hears me when nobody else does (I must talk SUPER soft or something).

4. He is easy on the eyes...ok so he is HOTT.

5. How good he is at guitar. There is nothing better than a guitar serenade from him.

6. How he makes me laugh EVERY DAY.

7. That he is a peacemaker.

8. That he loves Jesus.

9. That He loves candles (even more than I do).

10. How hard he strives to take care of his family.

11. How he appreciates the little things in life.

12. That he loves being a daddy and he is an amazing one at that!

13. How laid back he is.

14. That he is one of the smartest people I know

15. That he is a good cook when he actually does it! *hint hint*

16. That he knows anything and everything about sports.

17. That he does HAIR!. C'mon ladies, you know thats cool...

18. That pretty soon he is going to be a police officer. (I have the best of both worlds! haha)

19. How even though he hates chick flicks he always watches them with me.

20. His sensitive side.

21. That he is so athletic

22. That he loves my family and friends.

23. How supportive he is.

24. His quirks.

25. The way he still gives me butterflies every day!!!

26. That if I have "nothing to wear" he will pick me out a cute outfit and get me out of my funk.

27. I LOVE THE WAY HE LOVES ME.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! LOVE YOU ALWAYS!

Do you have a toddler? If so read this...

2009-02-02T16:41:00.000-08:00

I dont know about the rest of you but this pretty much sums up Quinns attitude about life... He is such a little shit, but I love him :)

The rules of a toddler:

If it is on, I must turn it off.
If it is off, I must turn it on.
If it is folded, I must unfold it
If it is not food, it must be tasted.
If it IS food, it must not be tasted.
If it is a liquid, it must be spilled.
If it is a solid, it must be thrown.
If it is high, it must be reached.
If it is shelved, it must be removed.
If it is plugged, it must be unplugged.
If it is closed, it must be opened.
If it does not open, it must be screamed at.
If it is full, it will be more interesting emptied.
If it is empty, it will be more interesting full.
If it has a flat surface, it must be banged upon.
If Mommy's hands are full, I must be carried.
If Mommy wants to carry me, I must walk alone.
If it is a car seat, it must be protested with arched back.
If it is dry, it must be made wet with drool, milk, or toilet water.
And finally the defining trifecta:If it is yours it must be mine.If it ever was mine, it must still be mine.If it looks like something that was once mine, it must be mine.

Have a great day!

a boy after my own heart

2009-01-18T21:25:00.000-08:00

This boy LOVES music and he especially loves to play daddy's guitar. Must have been all that playing Jon did to my belly when he was in the womb! Aint he cute?

allergy baby

2009-01-18T21:19:00.001-08:00

Sorry to say this post is on the sadder-side. For those of you that wonder why I'm such a freak about Quinn's allergies and what he eats and why my heart drops when we go to the park and every other kid is eating pb & j or cookies this is why:

one more for fun...

2009-01-06T13:09:00.000-08:00

Dont be jelous of our outfits...

christmas 2008

2009-01-03T16:44:00.001-08:00

This year we had so much fun! Quinn was finally old enough to get excited about opening his presents and we spent a lot of time with friends and family. We had Christmas with Jons mom and sister one night where we went to her house and had pizza and opened a few gifts. We had our own family christmas the Sunday before where we spent the day together, opened gifts, and I made my first ever homeade italian meal (spaghetti, meatballs, and manicotti). Our friends Josh and Heather, Jons friend Eugene (from the academy) and all of my family came over. It was such a fun way to kick off Christmas week. On Christmas eve we headed to reno where we saw all of my dads side of the family. Quinn had a blast playing with my little brothers Michael and Jesse. We did lots of eating, relaxing, and being with one anothe

r. Most days we stayed in our PJ's until the afternoon, which I LOVE. We even had a date night while we were there! My brother babysat while we went to a super fancy dinner with my dad and step mom, then we went to a movie. Our good friend Lawrence moved to Reno awhile ago and we even had a chance to meet up with him for dinner with my family. Good times!! Sadly I was so stressed making dinner that I got no pictures from our vegas Christmas with my family.

All the Medina boys. 7 boys 7 and under!

my brothers michael, and jesse with quinn in their matching jams!

Quinn playing his drums that santa got him

my mother in law got us a wii fit! it is so much fun, thanks patti!

Our christmas in Reno. Click to enlarge! sorry, i had lots of pictures.

2009!!

2008-12-31T19:24:00.000-08:00

(our family ONE YEAR ago)
Jon and I are just sitting here reminiscing on 2008, we always say it, but it really is crazy how fast a year flies by and all that has happend in 12 short months. In one year Jon has made a HUGE career change by going from hairstylist to cop. Quinn went from barely crawling to running and talking. I went from just getting a camera to loving photography and making it a side-career. We have grown so much as a family and as individuals. It has been a rough year for us, but a great one. We have learned great lessons, made new friends, and found a church that we love and can finally call home. We have high hopes for 2009 and we want to wish everybody a happy happy new year! We hope it is a great year for all of you! As for us we really hope to expand our family this year and add another baby mcferrin to the group...reach out in our community to those in need...and more than anything spend more quality time with eachother!! 2008 has brought us a lot of "work," which is GOOD during these times in our econemy, but it also means less time with eachother. We are hoping that when Jon graduates from the police academy I can cut down my work load to be home more, which has been a goal of mine for a long time...

Cheers to 2009! Everybody have fun and be safe tonight!! As for us, we will be thinking of you all from our couch. :)

Home sweet home

2008-12-28T21:24:00.000-08:00

We just got back from a 5 day trip to Reno. It was a MUCH NEEDED vacation from our hectic life lately. I have been a slacker on updating this thing, but I will be putting all of our holiday photos up asap. We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!!

Snow in Las Vegas?!

2008-12-17T21:34:00.000-08:00

We have been loving every minute of this crazy weather we are having (except for the fact that we have been cooped up in the house). Of course I had to take Quinn out for a little bit so he could have his first snow experience! He loved it, he kept saying "brrr". Here are a few pictures of him taking it all in. (click picture to make bigger)

Britt's wedding.

2008-12-05T20:05:00.000-08:00

I went to hair school with this beautiful bride and seeing her get married was so cool! She has done nothing but talk about getting married since I've met her and her wish finally came true. I went to hair school with all of the girls in the photos and we were basically attached at the hip back then, so it was a lot of fun to catch up and see them again! We had so much fun dancing, laughing, and reminiscing.

watch and learn

2008-12-02T14:17:00.001-08:00

I did a post awhile back on giving...just incase I didnt get my point across, here is a video I found that sums it up. :)

these are a few of my favorite things...

2008-12-01T19:36:00.000-08:00

Its that time of year, oh how I love it! Jon and I are borderline obsessive with the holidays. We just love the look, the feel, the smell, everything! One of the blogs that I read -thrifty decor chick- is having a giveaway and part of it is listing some of your favorite things... here are mine:

Pair some of these bad boys up with a pair of jeans or comfy

pants and you are good to go...

My pampered chef mini loaf pan

(where lots of my christmas gifts will be coming from this year)

The canon 5d (dreaming of it)

This bedroom set from Pottery Barn

(been dreaming of it for over a year now)

Chai Tea Latte's

(for christmas my friend sarah gave me a homemade chai tea mix

and I have been drinking at least 2 cups a day..so yummy)

LOVE

I had the chance to attend 2 weddings this past weekend and can I just say...I LOVE love. Its for sure one of my favorite things.

Date Nights

Love them. Enough said

Moroccan Oil:

This new product I have been using is amazing, I'm addicted to it and love it. It makes the hair shiny, healthy, smell good, dry faster, softer, etc etc.

Gold Canyon Candles:

I burn the Banana nut bread and everybody thinks I bake! suckers...

Click here to order one

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T11:22:00.001-08:00

May your stuffing be tasty

May your turkey plump,

May your potatoes and gravy

Have never a lump.

May your yams be delicious

And your pies take the prize,

And may your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off your thighs!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our family and friends! We are so very thankful to have each and every one of you in our lives. We hope this has been a year to be "thankful for" for all of you and we wish you many blessings today and always!

Family!

2008-11-24T20:18:00.001-08:00

My dad and step mom Jenn were in town this past weekend. My dad had a booth at a wine tasting here in town, so we met up with them and had such a fun weekend. We had dinner at Benihana (so good), danced, gambled (and won!!), had breakfast at the egg and i (my fav) and spent the afternoon at town square. I'm so excited we will be seeing them in just a few weeks when we go to Reno for Christmas!

Dad, Jenn, and Quinners at town squre.

Me and my Jenny having way too much fun at Benihana.

belles, beans, what?

2008-11-20T07:40:00.001-08:00

Lately there has been a lot of talk about maybe changing "Belles and Beaus Photography" to something else. People keep mistaking it for Belles and BEANS. I know, why would I call it that right? Well some people must really think I like beans because they call it that ALL THE TIME. I'm beginning to wonder if its just too much of a mouthful or what? I could use some honest critique here. Should I change the name or leave it? I was thinking IF i changed it I could do something simple like, "Ashley C Photography" I don't know, might be cheesy but I'm not good at these things. Help Ya'll!

Girls night

2008-11-19T21:59:00.000-08:00

I went out with these fun girls to celebrate Austins Birthday. We had lots of good food and laughs and it was so nice to get out and have GIRL TIME, which is much needed and not gotten nearly enough. Thanks for the fun night girls (and the picture sarah).

For Kids Now

2008-11-13T13:38:00.000-08:00

My friend Donna and I will be selling our "Funky Junk" crafts (blankets, beenies, scarves, scrap books, aprons, etc) at a Holiday Festival this Saturday. The proceeds will benefit the "For Kids Now" foundation. Along with our things there will be tons of gifts, jewlery, gift baskets, art, candles, and tons more stuff. There will also be food and entertainment! Its going to be at:

Innovations International Cherter School- 1600 East Oakey.

Come support a good cause and do some christmas shopping

Daddy day care

2008-11-03T10:35:00.001-08:00

I asked Jon to keep an eye on Quinn for a few minutes this morning while I did a few things around the house. I came in our room to find this: Jon sleeping, and Quinn trying to find Jon's diaper rash so he could put desitin on it.

"Daddy, its ok if you have diaper rash, i will fix it"

"yum, desitin tastes good"

couldn't find the diaper rash...better luck next time

GIVE

2008-11-02T15:20:00.000-08:00

At church today we talked about people that influence us, the way we influence others and how to make the most of your one and only life by helping others. Some of the stuff that was mentioned opened my eyes to things I wasn't even aware of, and it made me want to make a difference. Did you know that if you have at least a 2 bedroom apartment and a car that you are in the top 8% of the world. Shocking right?! Another crazy fact: Americans spend 450 BILLION dollars a year on CHRISTMAS and it only costs 20 billion to give everyone in the world clean water to drink. Again, SHOCKING! We also spend 20 billion a year on ice cream and 20 billion a year on lipstick. There are so many people out there who are homeless, hungry, thirsty, cold, kids that have no toys, etc etc. These numbers made me want to make a difference. Hopefully it will make you want to make a difference too. We as a family are going to participate in "operation christmas child" this holiday season. You can read more about it at here and there is a link on the website to get involved if it's something you might be interested in. Happy giving!

Halloween Fun

2008-11-02T11:22:00.001-08:00

We had a fun Halloween this year now that Quinn semi-knew what was going on. I tried to teach him to say , "trick-or-treat" but had no such luck. We had the chance to visit the pumpkin patch twice. Once with the Oshaughnessy's, and once with the Ukeiley's. We went to a Halloween neighborhood block party (dont have pictures), and on Halloween night our church had "trunk-or-treat" where we got lots of candy and Quinn bounced around in the jump house. Quinn was a monkey, jon was a bananna (poor daddy) and I was a cat. My computer wont let me upload the picture of jon, so you will just have to use your imagination. :) Hope everybody had a safe and happy halloween!

This is why...

2008-10-22T11:24:00.001-07:00

...I love this kid. Enough said.

Park Days

2008-10-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

Park days are here!! The weather has been so nice and we have been living it up outside. Here are a few from today. Quinn and his friend Zach had a blast running around and going down the slides.

the boys going down the slide (zach was pretty excited)

My handsome boy

Quinns best bud Zach. Isnt he adorable?

our BIG news!

2008-10-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

Jon has been excepted into the police academy! For those of you who didn't know already, he has been trying to get accepted for months now and this has been such a long wait for us. We have sorta been keeping it on the "DL" just incase he didn't make it, but now we can tell everyone! He has worked very hard for this and we have prayed and prayed that he would get accepted and he finally did. We are very proud of him and all he has accomplished so far. The academy starts Nov 10th and will last about 6 months. We will no more once he starts orientation in a couple of weeks. Thanks to everybody for your love, support, and encouragement. HE DID IT! Go babe, we are so proud of you.

Cafe Rio Ranch

2008-10-06T17:37:00.000-07:00

I am a Cafe Rio fanatic, mostly because I can't get enough of their amazing ranch. I decided to try and make it myself so I can save money every week by not going there as much. I found this recipe that will hopefully get me my cafe rio ranch fix:

Tomatillo Ranch Dressing
1 pkg of Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch Dressing dry mix

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tomatillos, peel

1 clove garlic, minced

½ bunch of cilantro, chopped

juice from one lime

1 small jalapeno, seeds and stem removed

Blend ingredients together in a blender. You can add additional mayonnaise if the dressing is too thin. Keep refrigerated.

UPDATE

2008-10-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

Its been awhile since I've written. We have been a busy busy family lately. We have had projects around the house, birthday parties, friends and family in town, work work work, and lots of other randomness. Quinn has really "blossomed" (haha, cant think of another word) this past month. He has been really inquisitive and has been repeating and learning lots of new things. He has learned all the face body parts and loves to pick his nose and say "nose". Nice huh. He is obsessed with belly buttons so watch out, he has a habit of randomly lifting shirts to find belly buttons. We are going into our second month of music class and he still loves it. He is the crazy kid of the class, but I wouldn't have him any other way. When we drive in the car he sings "lalala" to the songs with me. He has his own language, but sometimes he speaks ours. Here are some of the words he knows so far:

"paypay" (airplain)

"alldah" (all done)

"kah ku" (thank you)

"ees" (please)

"boobie" (dont ask)

"baby"

"uh oh"

"sthat" (whats that)

"bah bah" (bye bye)

"helloooo"

"hannah"

"mama"

"daddy"

"mom" (grandma)

and my FAVORITE: "NNNNNOOOOOO" "NO NO"

Quinn is such a ham and a little character. His personality comes out more and more every day and we love it. It keeps us on our toes. He loves helping with laundry, dancing, CLIMBING, watching sprout, and he is OBSESSED with being outside. He would sleep our there if we would let him. You will all be happy to know that we also became a nuk free household this past month. Thats right, no more pacifier and we have almost weaned the bottle. He also loves his Hannah so much. He still doesnt understand that if he pulls her leg super hard it might break, but he loves to play catch with her and pull her around in his wagon. And when we are out and about he will look at me sometimes and say, "Hannah?".

poor Hanah holding on for dear life

TONIGHT

2008-09-25T15:26:00.000-07:00

I hope you are ALL going to be parked in front of your TV's tonight. It is the season premier of Grey's Anatomy!! I'm so excited, this is one of the only shows (along with biggest loser, and desperate housewives) that I watch religiously. If you love it as much as I do, happy watching!!

me and my little

2008-09-25T15:24:00.000-07:00

Wonder what we do in our spare time?

One more...

2008-09-17T15:29:00.001-07:00

One more of Quinn with his skull t-shirt and purple flower headband. Jon keeps saying I need to make him a "cool one." Any suggestions?

Real boys wear pink

2008-09-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

I had to post these pictures because they are so funny to me. If you didnt know any better you would think this was a little girl, but no, its Quinn. He was crying because he got a hold of one of my headbands, and he was trying to get into the closet to get the rest and I wouldnt let him. He LOVES to wear headbands, bracelets, and any other accessory. He is spending too much time with me. :)

Now I lay me down to sleep

2008-09-16T17:18:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to put the word out there about a foundation called, "Now I lay me down to sleep." The foundation works with professional photographers to give families professional photographs of their infants/babies/children at no charge. Everybody always thinks of a new baby as being such a wonderful joy and excitement, but for some families it doesn't end up that way. People lose their babies every day to miscarriage's, birth defects, being stillborn, and other complications. This foundation was started so that families could have the opportunity to have priceless photos taken of their little babies just before, or even after they have passed away. These photos are a way to honor and cherish these special babies and its a way to always remember their life. I had a chance to take the training class to become a qualified "Now I lay me down to sleep" photographer and this foundation has truly touched my heart. To see what families go through is unimaginable, and there is a greater need for these photos than anybody would ever think. It is amazing to see a foundation that helps these families in such a personal and special way. I hope that none of you or anybody you know ever has to use this foundation, but I would like you to be aware of it anyway. You never know who this foundation could be of service to, and if you are a photographer you might want to think about becoming a part of such a special cause. You can learn more at nowilaymedowntosleep.org

Its not a tumah

2008-09-09T07:52:00.000-07:00

I have had this annoying "thing" on my tongue for almost 2 years now. I call it my tumor, but who knows what it really is. Anyway, I'm sure half of you are grossed out by now. Well, good news, I'm getting it removed today! I'm so excited, but nervous. I thought it was going to be a quick slice and it was off, but they have to give me the good stuff and put me to sleep, and give me tongue stitches! (I didn't even know they could do that) I'm a little nervous after watching the movie "Awake" (where the guy gets heart surgery and he is awake and feeling the whole thing). I know I'm a little dramatic but still, wish me luck!

The Daniel Fast

2008-09-07T20:50:00.000-07:00

Jon and I are starting the Daniel fast tomorrow for 21 days. We are excited and ready for it! We have a lot of things in our life to be thankful for, and a lot to pray for. For us, not only do we eat like crap half of the time, but we get so caught up with work, errands, things to do, etc. Basically we are saying that FOOD and THINGS aren't as important as our marriage and our family. So we are doing the fast to focus, pray, and humble ourselves.We really want to seek god through these next few weeks. :)

"When you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you" Jeremiah 29:13,14

Music Together

2008-09-05T15:44:00.000-07:00

We signed Quinn up for a 10 week session of "music together." Today we had our first class and it was so much fun. There were about 10-12 other families with little ones ranging from newborn-4 or 5 years old. The kids sang songs, danced, tapped, played instruments, etc. While all of the other kids were sitting with their mommy's and daddy's our little Quinn was busy walking around investigating everybody and marching to the beat of his own drum. It was pretty funny, but stressed me out just a tad. He is so nosey! I think this class is going to be really good for him. We are huge music lovers and I think music is great for kids. Jon is hoping by the end of all of this that Quinn will be the youngest drummer to ever live. We'll see....

Ashley, Quinn, Heather, Sofie at music together.